The setting Up of a condom factory tn the oountry remains uncertain as the government Is yet to mobilise tu own funds for the project or attract any entrepreneur from the private sec tor.

According to a feasibility study completed early this year the 10 million US dollar-project with a production capacity of 160 million condoms a year was deemed viable. With assistance from the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), a group of local and foreign experts conducted the study. Earlier the project was approved by the ECNEC In 1991.

Originally conceived as a public sector enterprise the government, tn keeping with its

present policy of encouraging the private sector, would’prefer the implementation of the project by private entrepreneurs. However. If necessary, the government, according to a well-placed source, would be equally amenable to the setting up of the plant as a Joint public- private enterprise.

The government has already discussed with some entrepreneurs about their participation in the project while more talks will be held soon. During the discussions, the entrepreneurs expressed their interest in the project but asked for special facilities for setting up the factory and also for marketing the products, the source said adding that the government will welcome foreign investment for the project

About the possibility of donors' assistance for the project. the source said, the UNFPA and the USAID have responded positively.

Since Liberation, all the governments had felt the need for such a 'factory to meet the country's requirement and initiatives were also taken accordingly. but the idea Just did not materialise.

So long, the country's requirement was met by the condoms supplied by donor agencies. The annual requirement is estimated at 180 to 200 million prophylactics 40 per cent of which is distributed almost free through the government's own network while the remaining 60 per cent is sold at subsidised rates through a marketing company.

Presently. Bangladesh is getting condoms from the the EEC which wilj continue the supply until 1996. According to the source the EEC is likely to procure the condoms produced In India for future supply to Bangladesh.

Observers feel Bangladesh should be self-reliant in condoms to ensure its uninterrupted supply Since the demand Is on the increase.

"Adequate supply is not only essential for the family planning programme, which is so vital to national prosperity, but also to prevent the spread of the deadly disease AIDS." they said.